STOP PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING!
Hi Guys! Zdala here!
Let me start off by apologizing for this late update. I promised you guys I'd update in two weeks and yet it's been two months.
So there is a reason for this.
For starters my old laptop bit the dust, may it rest in peace. I've had that laptop since highschool and it's served me well but It finally just wouldn't turn on anymore or wouldn't charge. To my stupidity I don't really keep backups of chapters so any work I had in there was forever lost.
I was extremely pissed about that but I got a new laptop and had to start over from scratch.
In addition to me getting a new laptop I also got a new job. I work 12 hours shifts now so I'm often tired and have no energy to update when I know you guys are waiting for me.
That being said I'm used to the job now and back to regular updating.
I've been working closely with my artist friend Bia too to deliver you guys some stellar upcoming artwork.
Also I'm letting you guys know after this chapter it will be 3 weeks before I update again as I have to catch up on all the fanfictions that I have not worked on.
I thank you guys for being patient with me all this time, I hope you're still there and ready for some more of this story we got going on here. I don't want to waste anyone's time so without further ado here is the chapter you guys have all been waiting for!
See you at the end!
Chapter 17: Calm before the Storm
-Flashback-
-6 years ago-
-Titans Tower-
Beastboy never thought he'd see the day where Mento would actually enjoy himself.
There was something strange about seeing his adoptive father let loose. Imagine a grown man like him engaged in an arm wrestling competition against Cyborg, it seemed impossible but yet there it was. Rita stayed at his side while Bumblebee was with Cyborg, each of the females childishly egged their lover on into trying to beat their opponent.
The party was in full swing as the rest of the founding titans and new members were letting loose. Whether it was Robin trying to outdo Speedy on the dance floor, Mas Y Menos pigging out on the food or Argent, Kole and Pantha having a mean girls gossip session, the party itself was a massive hit.
For Beastboy it was hard to believe that the Brotherhood of Evil was defeated yet they were. Cryogenically frozen for the rest of their life, the criminals would remain that way until future heroes could decide what their fate would be. With all the normal details wrapped up, now was time to celebrate not only the team returning home but all the new titan affiliates that would soon be set up.
Much to his own surprise though, Beastboy was in no mood for partying. Instead of living it up with his friends, the titan sat on the roof overlooking the festivities that were going on below.
Staring off into the twinkle of the night sky, the changeling had his thoughts turned to a certain sorceress who he couldn't get out of his mind.
That was a huge secret that he had been keeping to himself for a while now. He was feeling certain emotions for Raven, emotions that went beyond the sisterly relationship he tried to keep with her.
Ever since the Titans defeated Trigon, Raven herself had become more affectionate. Sure she was still the same moody, tea loving, nose in a book teammate he grew up with but now it was different. Raven was now quicker to express her emotions, these days she could be found giving hugs to Starfire on the low, and Beastboy could have sworn she laughed at his jokes a few time. Whatever the case Raven's now affectionate side started to intrigue him.
This only deepened during their fight against the Brotherhood. Being separated for so long, the Titans often could only communicate to someone who was in range. For Beastboy, Raven was always within reach of his communicator, which forced them to talk more than they normally would.
Garfield would never admit this to her, but the more they talked over the tech the more he missed her. Each conversation not only made them learn more about each other but also toyed with his feelings aimlessly until all he could think about was her. Now that they were united as a team once more, Garfield kept finding himself nervous around her, afraid that he might make a fool outta himself.
Which was the main reason he was on the roof now. As fate would have it, he kept bumping into her at the party. His nerves were jumpy to a point where he needed to isolate himself, what better place than on the top of the roof. Even if he couldn't enjoy the party, at least he wasn't making a fool of himself in front of her.
"Beastboy?"
The fates be damned.
He immediately recognized Raven's monotone voice as it crept up on him. Before he could even fix his shocked face, his comrade came up to the edge of the roof and sat down next to him.
"Oh uh hey Rae, what are you doing up here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." She responded calmly. "Shouldn't you be down there, pigging out on pizza, flirting with the girls, ya know being Beastboy?"
"Nah im good, I actually just wanted some space to think ya know!"
"Mind if I join you?" Raven questioned as she sat down next to him. Once comfortable she couldn't help but notice the surprised and red expression on Beastboy's face. "What the hell are you staring at?"
"Y-you d-didn't insult me!" He stammered.
Raven couldn't help but raise a skinny eyebrow at his sudden change in demeanor. "Was I supposed to?"
"No but I was expecting a comment about how I don't have a brain or something!" He quipped."You didn't insult me, how come?"
"Don't overthink it, I just didn't feel like insulting you!"
"Alrighty then!"
It was strange how their relationship had changed over the years. Raven had expected Beastboy to talk her ear off or crack a lame joke while he expected her to ignore him and read a book or something. Both their expectations failed greatly as neither one dared to make eye contact.
Beastboy wiped his dripping forehead while sighing, doing his best not to try and undress Raven with his eyes. Her lavender scent infiltrated his nostrils, heightening the multitude of animal instincts he had in his body. Shifting in the grass uncomfortably, Beastboy started to rock slightly while the nervousness of his heart kept steadily beating.
Being the empath that she was, Raven could easily feel the spinning roulette of emotions that seemed to plague his very soul. How she wished she could help him talk about what they've been feeling. Sadly for her, Lust, Love and Happiness were interfering with every step. Love and Happiness were interfering with Raven's common logic in this situation, while lust commanded Raven to slyly check out Garfield's rippling muscles on that tight suit of his.
As if the situation weren't already uncomfortable enough, down below the duo could see the party antics start to slow down a bit. While Jinx and Kid Flash started lighting some fireworks for the night festivities, all around couples began to seek each other for a very romantic setting.
Robin & Starfire, Cyborg & Bumble, Mento & Rita and more couples started to embrace with only tender kisses on their mind.
This was the single moment that got Raven to snap out of her three emotions. "We need to talk about us, Beastboy!"
Beastboy's heart dropped into his stomach upon hearing the news announced. He always knew that the topic would be brought up, but he wasn't exactly what the outcome would be.
"How do you feel about me?"
Beastboy had prepared himself to make up the lamest joke he could imagine, however his heart took control of his emotions and forced him to utter those four simple words. "I like you Rae!"
"Like me how?" Her face conveyed pure shock as she had not expected him to answer the question so truthfully. She soon felt a lump in her throat as she tried to form the question. By lord she was feeling so embarrassed by this conversation which was starting to feel more like a cheesy high school drama. "You know, I'm not good with my emotions and even though Trigons gone, I'm afraid -."
Raven would never get the chance to fully go into the monologue about emotions and powers as Beastboy soon put his hand on top of her's. His gentle touch ceased her uneasy state, and for the very first time he gazed at her.
"You don't have to explain, I'm nervous too." His usual happy go lucky grin was what did it for Raven, although she used to tease him about it she loved that grin. Seeing it made her worries seemingly melt away into nothing, for the first time in a long while Raven felt at easy.
Feeling the essence of love and happiness surrounding her, the sorceress pulled closer to him until they could feel the heat off each other's bodies. As several more fireworks erupted into the atmosphere, Beastboy & Raven let go of all emotion and forever embraced each other in a tight lipped kiss.
The electric jolt of passion shocked it's way through Beastboy and Raven's bodies as they held the kiss which seemed like forever. As they soon parted for air, they both gave a satisfied smile while thinking about this new development.
"Booyah, alright Beastboy!" Cyborg shouted.
Their friends calling to them, prompted them to break apart. It wasn't long before Beastboy and Raven looked down on the ground, where they found a majority of the Titans watching the spectacle unfolding.
"About time those two got together!" Jinx giggled
"This is a joyous occasion friends, we must celebrate!" Cheered Starfire who had hearts in her eyes upon spotting the young couple.
"Seriously?" Raven pulled her face back in embarrassment, but not before seeing the fanged toothy smile on her lovers face. "What the hell are you smiling about?"
"Raven's my girlfriend!"
"I know what you're thinking." She quipped. "You give me any of those ridiculous pet names and I'll throw you off this roof!"
Before he could object, Raven's lips were upon him again. As the fireworks blared and the crowd continued to cheer, Beastboy and Raven continued to let their love forever get lost in the beautiful night sky.
-End of Flashback-
-Present-
-Junkyard-
From that one kiss would spawn a relationship that even Darkseid himself couldn't destroy. After five years of being seperated, Garfield & Raven were together once again. Having driven off their opponent known as Paragon Thrust, the lovers now lay in each other's arms. It didn't matter that they were surrounded by discarded metals or debris. Having not seen one another the couple engaged in an endless cycle of kisses and just holding eaching other.
The crisis of the world vanished from both of their eyes as they focused on one another, never wanting this moment to end.
-Skullship-
It all seemed so easy at first.
Capture Garfield and Lunar, capitalize on Sparrow's failure and in the end come out smelling like a rose.
Minute by minute, detail by every hard bitten detail, every possible outcome accounted for.
Well except for one.
The original demon of wires himself
The kryptonian foe known as Brainiac
What started out as Taurus's ultimate plan to defeat the Justice League, now became a possibly easy victory for the mechanical monstrosity. Having retook control of his ship and bound Taurus with metal tentacles, the Paragon was forced to watch as he shifted throughout the various screens on the ships dashboard.
"I thank you once again for bringing my vessel back to me, Victor Stone!"
"It's Paragon Taurus you digital freak!"
"Your identity is no concern to me!" His emotionless voice responded back to him and seemingly bounced through every chamber on the ship. "Your paragon armor however will serve some use to me, after I've desiected you for further study."
Taurus gulped audible as his heart dropped into his stomach. For now the secrets of the Paragon armor were his masters alone. With Brainiac's mastery over technology, if such weaponry were to get into his hands it would spell disaster for Darkseid's future conquest of earth.
"Your silence speaks wonders to my eventual victory!" He stated.
Paragon Taurus was set to open his jaw for a usual snarky quip but one of the metal tentacles holding him suddenly wrapped itself around his mouth, silencing him for good. With no more words coming out from the Paragon, Brainiac laughed evilly before the control panel started to light up again with a new command. Much to Paragon Taurus's discomfort he couldn't help but notice that the countdown on the shrink ray had been stopped now turning it on full capacity.
-Outside-
Following the command given to it by it's original master, the mechanical tentacles reacted by first pointing themselves outward. As the tips started illuminating a strange energy, the residents below watched in awe as to what was happening.
Once charged to a certain point the energy was expelled outward and onto one of the nearby skyscrapers that had been bottled by the forcefield. On contact the structure began to start with it's downsizing, within a matter of a few moments the building went from sixty feet tall to the size of a small cellphone.
-SkullShip-
Much like the planets that he had bottled and shrunken over the last few decades, this skyscraper was no different. Even with the people still trapped inside it, the structure now was teleported to Braniacs lab where it would forever be a part of his collection for study.
"This building is only the beginning of my plans for this planet!" He explained. "Once I have rebuilt my body, my conquest will be endless!"
"Taurus!"
Much like how bad guys do, Brainiac hadn't counted on every variable. Without warning the Skullship began to shake slightly back and forth as a heavy presence soon entered. Paragon Taurus breathed a sigh of relief as his clueless but bulky comrade Thrust had entered into the chamber. Although he had failed in his mission to get both Garfield & Lunar, Paragon Taurus was relieved to see that maybe his luck was changing.
"Warning, unknown intruder in the Skullship!" Brainiac announced.
"What happening?" Thrust questioned as he noticed his partner was strung up by the tentacles.
"Defensive Systems Engaged!"
Thrust may not have been the smartest tool in the drawer but even he recognized those words that Brainiac just spoke. Getting ahead of his adversary before he could strike, he charged toward Taurus and used his beast-like muscles to rip free the metal tentacles that trapped him.
"Excellente Thrust, now let's kill that hunk of junk!" Paragon Taurus urged
"Foolish lifeforms, you think you can destroy me!" Even without a physical body, Brainiac was still one of the smartest beings in the entire universe and wasn't about to be done in by these two inferior fools.
Activating the ship's control panel with a new command, some of the floorboards began to open up. Paragon Taurus and Thrust backed away defensively as Brainiac's robotic droids had been summoned. Within the span of a few seconds the floor kept repeating the same motion until the duo were surrounded by a sea of mindless drones.
"Annihilate them!" Brainiac ordered. With eerie red eyes the droids sprang to life and started engaging the two. Without transforming both Taurus and Thrust stood their ground and began to engage in combat.
-Elsewhere-
-Junkyard-
"I love you so much Rae!" Garfield had never smiled so much in his entire life. Even surrounded by the scrapheap he just looked at the sky with majestic wonder while Raven lay nestled in his arms.
"You know that's the eleventh time you've said that right?" She rolled her eyes playfully. "Even newlyweds don't say it that much!"
Garfield couldn't help but grin as he remembered the sassy nature Raven had, one of the things he loved most about her . "Not all Newlyweds have the greatest girlfriend in the world though!"
Despite the moment they were having the mention of the word world all of a sudden triggered something in Raven's psyche. Her brain started to click with discomfort as earlier memories came back to them. "Oh my God what are we doing?"
"What's wrong?"
"The Paragons!" She responded. "We have stop Taurus & Thrust, they've got Brainiac's SkullShip!"
"Oh crap, Lunar!" Garfield's eyes widened like saucers as he suddenly remembered his piparoid pal who was still not only under the influence of the virus but had been flinged away to only God knows where.
Startled by all of these new revelations, Garfield shot up like a bullet and began running around the perimeter of the Junkyard looking for any sight of his tiger cub. "Lunar, Lunar, where are ya little buddy!"
"Gar stop panicking we just need too-."
But it was too late. A loud collison sound soon followed Raven's attempt to get her boyfriend to calm down. Running toward the outside of the Junkyard, the sorceress came face to face with Garfield and another stranger on the ground. Having accidently ran into each other, both men were swirl eyed and slightly dazed.
"Sorry about that dude, didn't see you there." Was all Garfield could make out between his world spinning all around him.
"That's alright MR - hey wait a second, you're Garfield!" Ryan Choi spoke calmly as the world started to settle down around him. His eyes couldn't believe what he was seeing, a little green skinned man right in front of him.
"Uhhhh have we met?" He questioned
"Well I guess, I mean not really, I indirectly know who you are thanks to trying to get Ray's belt back, wait what I mean is I saw you naked on camera and-." The mix of incoherent sentences made Garfield & Raven sweatdrop in embarrassment. Although considered to be highly intelligent by most, his babbling was only confusing them more.
"Ok lets start with something simple, who are you?" As always Raven was the voice of reason, while neither boys could segway into this conversation she alone came up with the simplest of sentences.
"Well um my name is Ryan Choi!"
"Hey cool, my best friend's name is Ryan!"
"I know!" Was all that Ryan Choi could speak as he finally managed to catch his train of thought. It all seemed so strange to him, despite his good intentions to help his captured friend Ryan Choi didn't know if he could pull off such a feat. Now that he was in front of Garfield, he had a chance to save Ryan and hopefully stop the siege that's going around the city. "She's in danger and I need your help!"
"What!" News that a startled Garfield was definitely not ready to hear. "What do you mean Ryan's in danger?"
As even more confusion started to set in between Garfield & Raven, Ryan Choi began to spill his tail in hopes that something good would come of this.
-New Metropolis Detention Center-
As a nurse in a world ravaged by intergalactic war, Ryan was no stranger when it came to getting caught in the crossfire. Even though there was always a chance of her being injured for life or possibly murdered, Ryan took inspiration from Kate allowing her courage to always take centerfold.
After all these years however courage wasn't enough to save her in this situation, in fact it was starting to look like her luck was sadly running out.
Trapped like an insect, within the Detention center walls, surrounded by inmates who wanted nothing more than to cause her physical harm. Having never been one to leave well enough alone, Ryan fought her hardest against the odds only to this time have it backfire in her face.
Nia had been captured, Virgil had left her, most of the guards were dead and now she had suffered third degree burns so badly that she passed out.
It seemed like she would be passed out forever, but like most things fate has a way of intervening when you least expect it.
"U-u-u-ugh." Like an infant fresh out of the womb, Ryan struggled to keep her eyes open as a heaviness befalled over her. Her skin would sting with a singeing sensation as she stirred around, causing her to let out small yelps of pain in response.
Despite the pain the flames had caused her, she was resilient. Head held high and muscles focused she soon managed to wake herself up fully while letting the dim light of the room illuminate her. As Ryan's senses finally came back to her she realized she wasn't in the hallway where she passed out at, somehow she had been transported to the infirmary.
"Look who's finally awake!" Much to Ryan's dismay she was not alone, leaning in the shadows of the corner was the leader of the jailbreak himself Ebon.
"Ebon!" She grunted but instantly regretted her decision as her body twitched up painfully.
Ebon couldn't help but smile as he saw Ryan unable to barely keep herself together. Hotstreak certainly did a number on her, reminding him of how grateful he was that he was his ally."What's going on?"
"Cut the crap, where's Nia and Virgil!"
No sooner than Ryan had inquired about Virgil, the doors to the infirmary opened. Several inmates that belonged to Ebon's crew suddenly entered the room, carrying a barely conscious Virgil. As they tossed his body down like unwanted trash, Ryan gasped as she noticed the man was scarred with a black eye, several hardened bruises and a shoulder wound soaked with blood.
"Virgil!" Ryan cried out as she jumped from the table to try and reach him. Her good intentions were halted as the pain from the burns came back to her skin, paralyzing her. Once the fiery presence made its way through most of her senses Ryan collapsed to the ground, powerless to get up.
"Well isn't this a pretty sight, a snitch and a bitch!" Ebon snickered.
"So what now Ebon?" She inquired.
"I'm just tying up loose ends, that's all baby!" He informed. "I'm not sure what's going on outside or around this building, but I do know one thing, we're busta outta here!"
"We?"
"Yup, me and every inmate in this center. Now that we've taken care of the guards, you and dreadlocks here are all that remains!"
"So what is this, you saved me so you can taunt me?"
"Didn't really save you." He confessed with an innocent wave of his hands. "I'm just saving you and Virgil for last. I'm sure my boy Hotstreak would enjoy melting ya asses down to bones!"
"Go to hell Ebon!" Virgil unexpectedly growled despite his hurt state.
Turning his attention to his nemesis, Ebon found himself walking over to him and giving him a swift kick right to the jaw. Only thing Ryan could do was yell out towards him while his nose also started to bleed out onto the floor. "Just for that, Imma take extra time with your bestie!"
"What did you do with Nia?"
"I've got your tranny friend locked up in the mess hall." Ebon said with a sinister smile. "After we find a way outta this building, we're gonna have a little fun with her!"
"You touch here and-."
Before Virgil couldn't even finish the sentence, Ebon delivered a secondary kick to his face once again. "You'll do nothing and like it chump!"
"So you're just gonna leave us here?"
"You already know it baby, but don't worry we won't keep ya'll long!"
How Ryan wished she hadn't been attacked by Hotstreak earlier. If only she had her full strength she would have made Ebon pay for hurting all those people in the detention center. As much as she wanted to accomplish this she hadn't the strength to stand on. While she and Virgil lay dormant from their injuries, Ebon and his crew laughed in triumph before leaving them to their own vices.
-Junkyard-
Raven couldn't help but place a single hand on Garfield's shoulder trying to comfort him the best that she could. Although he had only met Ryan Choi for a short period of time, this news simply rocked Garfield to his very core. As if losing Lunar wasn't enough now he had to contend with the news that his best friend was fighting for her life inside the detention center. He had feared this would happen, If only she had listened to him then she would be safe. To make the situation even more dire he had now been informed of Taurus's plans for New Metropolis which were also currently underway.
A heavy aura of sadness seemed to sweep Garfield's countenance as he thought about everything that had transpired throughout his day. Much like Ryan he had many close calls before but this time he wondered if he had been truly bested by his foes.
"After I grabbed my equipment, I tried to reach Highfather or the league but they have their hands full!" Ryan Choi replied. "The Skullship has already started to shrink down buildings all around the city."
"Gar were running out of time, we have to do something!" Raven urged before turning her attention to him.
"Damnit Ryan, why'd you have to go!" He uttered
"I didn't go anywhere, I'm right here."
"He's talking about the other Ryan."
"Oh."
If one had X-Ray vision they could probably see the wheels turning in Garfield's head as he started to think. This situation was no different then when the Brotherhood of Evil almost eliminated the Teen Titans. Although seemingly overpowered in numbers and strength, Garfield managed to rally the other titans together for victory. Digging into the recesses of his brain, a plan started to form, a plan that could be helped by his new acquaintance.
"Um, can I help you?" Ryan asked as he noticed Garfield started to stare him down with a bright smile.
"Dude how smart are you?"
"Well my IQ is 200, I was class valedictorian and I also wrote a paper on quantum physics with organic -."
"I think what Gar means is you have knowledge of Brainiac's tech right?" Raven inquired, immediately cutting to the chase.
"Yeah when Ray was alive we studied some of his advanced technology!"
"Does that include computer viruses?"
"Yeah, I know how to eliminate viruses!"
"If we're gonna save everyone I need to get Lunar back first, without him I won't be able to use my powers!" Garfield stated.
"One problem thou Gar, we don't even know where Lunar went!"
"All I know is he got flung in that direction!" He said as he pointed across the buildings to the vast endlessness that was New Metropolis. "He's a walking steel termite, he can't be that hard to find!"
"I guess we don't have a choice, let's see what we find!" Raven suggested as she focused a bit of her magic to open a small dark portal in the junkyard.
"Come on let's get going!"
While Garfield and Ryan Choi were set to enter through the portal, Raven found herself stopping midway as she couldn't help but notice a shape in the distance. Peeling her eyes in that direction she locked sights on the hooded man concealed behind a massive pile of junk. While he erriely stood still Raven instantly knew he wanted something, he may have been helpful to her but he had his own agenda that she wasn't sure about yet.
"Gar." She sighed slightly, making him stop in his tracks. "I can't go!"
"What?"
"I- I can't go with you, not just yet!"
"What are you saying Rae?" Garfield cried while his brain was unable to process what she was saying. "What do you mean you can't come with us?"
"There's something I need to do."
"Well what is it?"
"Gar please!"
"No!" He shouted forcefully. Now standing directly in front of Raven, Garfield wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close to him.
"Guess I'll just be over here then." Ryan Choi sweatdropped in embarrassment as he excused himself from the tense but emotion filled scene.
"I just got you back!" They had just been reunited and yet something was set to keep them apart once again. Raven could not bring herself to look at Garfield as he brought his face closer to hers. As his beautiful emerald eyes pierced into her very soul, Raven's power of empath altered her to the amount of fear, worry and sadness that Garfield was feeling. "I already lost you once to Darkseid, I'm not losing you again!"
Raven was never one to show emotion but sweeping Garfield's feelings also made her depressed as well. As she leaned closer to plant a sweet kiss upon his lips, Raven could feel his heart beating faster than the energizer bunny beating his drums. "You're not going to lose me I promise, there is just something I have to do!"
"I'll go with you then!"
"Damnit Gar!" She shot back with her voice breaking. "This arguing is pointless, Lunar needs you, Ryan needs you, the world needs Moon Fang. I don't need you worry about me, I can handle myself, I promise this is going to end soon!"
Garfield could feel his heart shatter into a million pieces as her words sunk in. He would have given his entire body, his soul, anything to not have to be seperated from Raven again. He wanted just to hold her, to be with her so badly yet he couldn't shake the words that she was saying. Even though he didn't want to abandon her, the city needed to be saved and more importantly the rest of his family needed him.
How he wanted to make up for the lost time between them, but yet again he would just have to wait a little bit longer.
Just a little bit longer and nothing would keep them apart ever again.
While Garfield did not speak on the situation, he gave Raven one last farewell kiss before backing away from her. "Come on Ryan let's go!"
The rally cry was not accepted by Ryan Choi who cringed slightly upon seeing the portal of dark magic. "Do we really have to go in there, isn't there another way to get across town?"
"Don't sweat it dude just trust me!"
Not like Ryan Choi had any choice but to trust Garfield. Catching him by surprise the titan grabbed his partner and strung him along inside. Raven and Garfield locked eyes one last time before Raven closed the portal now sending them to their new destination.
-New Metropolis Detention Center-
"Damnit!" An agonizing scream escaped Ryan's mouth before the entire weight of her body came crashing down on the hard tile floor. Despite knowing the outcome, again she tried to move her body into the best workable position.
She had to keep moving, she had to keep trying, she had to keep fighting against the pain, against the instability that caused her to fall. She had to keep fighting, she had to keep her promise to Garfield, to Kate, to Lunar, to everyone that counted on her.
"Would you cut that out already?" Due to the flesh wound received by Ebon in his shoulder, Virgil kept quiet for most of the time. It was only a few minutes into Ryan's unsuccessful attempt that he finally decided to say something.
Although Virgil had finally spoken this did not deterre Ryan. For a seventh time she tried to fight through the pain only to once again end up face planting into the ground.
"What's ya problem, I said cut it out!" Virgil cried. "You already know you're too weak to stand so knock it off, I'm sick of hearing you scream every five seconds!"
But still she persisted again only to end up screaming out more from the pain.
"Me and Nia should have left you when we had the chance!" Virgil bellowed angrily as he fixed her a stare of pure malice. "If only you didn't step in this place then I might have had some pe-."
"Shut up!" Was the first unpleasant phrase that Ryan found herself sneering after all this time.
As Virgil fixed her a look of surprise, he was met with an equally intense glare that symbolically could have burned through his skull.
"Wait what?"
"You heard me, I said shut up!" Ryan commanded. "I tried to help you, to give you a way outta here yet all you wanna do is be difficult!"
"Newsflash Wilder I told you I didn't want your help!"
"Oh yeah you don't need my help I forgot, you've got it all under control!" She sarcastically added. "Ya know I'm not sure what Highfather ever saw in you, you're not hero material you're just a whiny little brat!"
"Who the hell are you to say that?" He interjected with a frustrated scowl. "You don't know my story!"
"And at this point I don't wanna know!" She shot back as her voice started to reach higher in pitch. "You think you're the only one who's been dealt a bad hand?"
"What would you know about anything I've been through?"
They always say that actions speak louder than words, and for Ryan the next act she did was louder than anything she preached before. Fighting through the pain, Ryan pulled down the collar on her shirt slightly to let a piece of her upper chest be exposed. At first Virgil thought Ryan was attempting to flash him, but his eyes widened in surprise as he saw a permanent mark etched into the girl's mahogany skin. A mark etched with the number #593240.
"That mark it's-!"
"My inmate number!" Ryan placed her head down in shame before covering the permanent tattoo with her clothing once more. "A specialty brand courtesy of the Black Gate prison guards!"
"Why'd you show me that?" He questioned while his head was filled with conflicted takes on the situation.
"Because I need you to know I understand your anger!" She admitted. "You don't trust me, I get it, I've been in your shoes. You think the world is cruel and every opportunity from someone is just a way for people to use you!"
"Isn't it though?" A skeptical Virgil asked. "The only reason you're even here is just because you want me to join the Justice League!"
"No that's not it!" She shot back. "I'm here because I don't want you to rot within these walls for the rest of your life!"
Virgil was set to continue his argument with Ryan but was stopped short as a sharp twinge surged through his body, making him grab his shoulder in response. As Ryan noticed his reaction, she couldn't help but pay attention to the wound that Ebon had inflicted on him earlier. He had been fighting so hard to be tough that he was going to let that injury get the better of him.
Maybe it was her training as a nurse, or maybe it was her humanity and wanting Virgil to like her. Whatever the case Ryan found herself crawling around the room in a slow fashion. Taking a slow inch at a time, the woman made sure not to upset her own complications while still pursuing her own interests.
As another bout of pain subsided throughout Virgil's shoulder, he regained his focus on Ryan who was now scrounging throughout various infirmary cabinets that surrounded them.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Praying to God that Ebon is as dumb as he looks!" After traversing through a few rows of cabinets, Ryan's face lit up like a child on Christmas day.
In the back of the current cabinet she was looking at was an oversized first aid kit, presumably used by the staff that worked in this department. In a hasty fashion Ryan opened the kit and spilled it's contents all throughout the infarmy floors.
After grabbing a slew of bandages, gauzes, alcohol pads and many packets of burn cream, Ryan crawled her way back to the awaiting Virgil who had a look of curiosity on his face.
"Before we continue with this Ted Talk let's patch ourselves up!"
-The Warden's Office-
"When I get out of here I'm going to kill you and everyone you love!" Even though confined to a medical stretcher, Eva McCulloch's spirit was far from broken. Much like her predecessor Peyton Riley, it was Eva's turn to now endure whatever experiment the so-called psychologist had in store.
"Patient is one Eva McCulloch!" DR Rhyme explained as she kept her attention and voice focused on the tape recorder that was on the desk. "Patient is experiencing misplaced anger toward my medical treatment, this is highly due to the fact that she has Oedipus complex, combined with extreme bipolarism!"
"What the hell is oedipus complex?" Her eyebrows raised in concern over the unknown phrase.
DR Rhyme couldn't help but smile as her superiority complex sailed over the woman's head. "The technical term is Daddy Issues!"
"What!" Eva barked loudly with a flashing of her clenched teeth.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist doll, I'm just telling you what your file says!" DR Rhyme stated."It also says here that you're the daughter of one Sam McCulloch, known only to Central City as the Mirror Master."
"Yeah I'm his daughter so what of it?"
" According to your file after your fathers development of the mirror technology, you and he went on a little father daughter crime spree that lasted for two years until you were accidentally trapped in the mirror dimension."
Upon hearing the last statement spoken, Eva saw red and immediately began to thrash around on the entire medical stretcher while her sights were set on making DR Rhyme pay. "Wait until I get my hands on you bitch!"
"Oh dear did I strike a nerve?" She inquired innocently. "All I did was read what was in the file!"
"That's not what happened, it wasn't an accident!" She wept angrily. "Between the Flash and my fathers stupidity it was everything but an accident!"
With Eva's rocky personality and past now at the center, DR Rhyme calmly walked over to her while preparing to flex her psychological prowess. "Tell me Eva, what's really bothering you?"
"It was hard seeing him have all that power and yet he wasted it on banks and jewelry stores!" She cried. "I tried to confront him about it during a heist but Flash interrupted, he was so pissed with me for questioning him that he trapped me in the mirror realm!"
"Ohh I see and that's why you tried to steal it after you were freed, with your father out of the way you could use his mirror gun for your own purposes."
"Can you blame me?" Eva inquired. "Do you know how hard it was being in his shadow all those years?"
Now that the bigger picture surrounding Eva had started to form, DR Rhyme knew she had her right where she wanted. Much like fishing for salmon in the mountain streams, Eva had now taken the bait and it was up to DR Rhyme to reel her in for good.
"Believe it or not I know what it's like to live in one's fathers shadow." With her voice coated in a motherly essence, DR Rhyme began to comfort Eva by placing a single hand on her shoulder. Taking a gamble on the situation at hand, she also undid the restraints allowing Eva to be free from the stretcher.
"Are you letting me go?"
"Yes dear you see I brought you here because I see potential, something I don't see in most people." She confessed. "What would you say If I told you I help you get back at your father, what would you say if I could make you better?"
"You mean like a better mirror master?" Eva's mouth fell agape as the question quickly sprawled from her voice box.
"Actually I was thinking higher than a master, perhaps something more of a sovereign!"
"Tell me more!" Eva cooed as her entire brain started to picture being in charge of her own destiny.
"As you wish!"
-Elsewhere in New Metropolis-
"Lunar, Lunar, where are ya little buddy?!" If you've ever had the displeasure of losing a pet , you probably remember the painstaking process in trying to find them. The sleepless nights, the endless searches, the constant heartache, anything to bring your loveable companion home. Granted Lunar was family and not a pet, it made the search for him just the more unbearable. Garfield would never forgive himself if he failed to save the little cub, especially when they were just beginning to form a bond.
"Here kitty cat, um here kitty." While Garfield was full blown allowing his voice to trail throughout the empty streets, Ryan Choi was the complete opposite making less sound waves then his new acquaintance.
"Dude you gotta yell louder than that!" Garfield urged with a pointed look toward him.
"Why are we looking for your cat again?"
"He's not a cat, he's a tiger."
"Tigers are cat's Garfield." Ryan stated flatly.
Garfield Sweatdropped hard in embarrassment. "Ok so maybe he is a cat, bottom line is though we have to find him before something terrible happens."
Garfield had the right to be worried about his lost friend. Without warning a slew of police cars started to appear from down one of the streets. With their loud sirens and tri color signals the authorities in question zoomed down the streets as if they were participating in a drag race. Garfield and Ryan Choi couldn't help but stop what they were doing as car after car started to past them all going in that same direction.
"How much you wanna bet if we follow those cars we'll find Lunar?"
"Only one way to find out!"
Hightailing the emergency cruisers, Garfield and Ryan found themselves keeping within close distance as they all began to converge on a single area that was a few blocks away. The neon lights, decorative balloons and funhouse music played on a speaker greeted the duo as they reached the area where the New Metropolis Carnival was.
Or rather what was left of it anyway.
The first thing that Garfield and Ryan caught wind of was the numerous crowds of people kept behind a barricade while several officers conversed about the situation.
Beyond that a sea of emptiness greeted the area where the so-called carnival was supposed to be taking place. Save for a few concession stands, some plastic funhouse displays and prizes sprawled over the pavement, there was nothing left that could relatively connect this to a carnival.
"I don't get it what's going on?" Garfield quiered.
"It's the New Metropolis Carnival, but all the rides are gone?" Ryan Choi explained
That one sentence alone was enough to send alarm bells up and down throughout Garfield's cranium.
Ryan Choi was right. There were no rides, no equipment, anything of a metal value had seemingly vanished. Confirming his worst suspicions, Garfield pushed his way through the crowd of people to scan the grounds up ahead. Sure enough there were jagged pieces of colorful structure and tiny bits of metal that were littered as far as the eye can see.
"What's wrong Garfield?"
"I think I know where Lunar is!"
Although it was far away from where they were at, both boys focused their sights as best they could. Sure enough in the distance they locked eyes with Lunar who was at the top of the ferris wheel currently eating his way through several cables that supported the entire ride. As if that wasn't bad enough Garfield could also see innocent bystanders still trapped within the rides structure unable to get out.
"Oh crap, Lunar ate all the carnival rides!"
"And looks like the ferris wheel is next."
"We gotta do something before he or those people get hurt!"
"Guess I better get too it then!" Wasting no time in going for his backpack, Ryan Choi pulled out an oversized tablet that he had stationed next to Ray Palmers Atom belt.
"What's that?"
"UAOH tablet courtesy of Cadmus, Star Labs and LexCorp." He explained. "Waller had this made after Brainiac tried to bottle Metropolis last time. It's the only device made that can detect and hack into technology with Kryptonian signals."
"They just gave it too you?"
"Not exactly, when I took Ray's belt I kinda stole it I figured they owed it to me after years of service!"
Garfield's response to Ryan Choi's craftyness would soon be cut off as several gunshots rang out in the air. As if the situation couldn't get any worse, the two came face to face with the police officers aiming long range weapons trying their best to fire and assassinate the tiger cub.
"What the hell are you doing?" A bug eyed Garfield questioned as he walked up to a nearby officer.
"That creature has decimated all of the metal equipment in this place, we have orders to shoot it before it endangers the life of anyone else!" The officer replied
"But you can't, you'll hurt him!"
"Sorry sir but those are my orders!"
"The hell they are!" Without warning Garfield found himself acting on his desire to protect Lunar from harm. Rushing through the crowd of people, the titan quickly jumped over the barricade before rushing out onto the field toward the ferris wheel.
"Garfield wait!" Ryan Choi called out too him before giving chase.
"Hold you fire, hold your fire!" The officer urged and soon both boys were complete in their way to do their jobs.
"Hang on, little buddy, we're here!"
While still chowing down on the metals that protected the ferris wheel cables, Lunar stopped momentarily when he heard his name being called. A child-like twinkle found itself into the piparoids eye as he locked sights on the friend that he thought he lost earlier. "Garfield, you found me!"
Ryan Choi sweatdropped slightly as the small animal spoke fluent english. "Holy crap the cat talks?"
"Never mind that dude, get rid of that virus!"
"Yeah hurry, my tum tum really hurts." Lunar exclaimed as he took another bite of the ferris wheel structure. Unlike the other chomps he took, this one started to prove deadly as the entire structure started to shake. Bolts and nuts started falling off at an alarming rate, while the cavalcade of trapped passengers started echoing a chorus of cries.
Having been called upon to work his technological magic, Ryan Choi was determined to not let Garfield or Lunar down. After inputting a series of buttons, the tablet sprang to life with a whirlwind of sounds and flashes of colors. Watching over his shoulder closely, Garfield could only see a list of weird commands next to a grid like pattern that resembled the entire landscape of where they were at.
"Friends, we must hurry!" Lunar cried out with urgency as his tiny body was forced to take another bite.
The passengers on the ride could only fear for their very lives as the rest of the cables snapped one by one and now flowed in the atmosphere. Beads of sweat formed upon both Garfield and Ryan's head as the ferris wheel started to creep forward, finally freed from its stationary position.
"Dude hurry!" Garfield cried
"Almost!" Having surveyed the grid on the tablet, Ryan locked sights on the virus inside Lunar's body and began remotely working to hack and delete it.
"We're too late!" Lunar called out as the ferris wheel started to move more rapidly. In it's circular form the wheel now started to glide across the carnival fairgrounds while picking up increased speeds. The screams from the people still trapped now echoed across the entire skylights of New Metropolis.
"I got it!" He announced. With all options across the tablet exhausted, Ryan finally made it to the final screen where he slammed his finger on a hearty delete button.
"Alright here goes, Fang Fury!" Garfield bared his paragon bracelet outward while shouting his transformation phrase. Now that the virus was gone, Lunar's body followed suit turning into energy and merging with Garfield. Ryan Choi and the crowds behind the police barricade watched in awe as Garfield was changed into his paragon armor.
"Yay friend we transformed!" From inside the armor Garfield couldn't help but grin
wholeheartedly as he heard his piparoid pal inside the armor.
"Hang tight Lunar, we got a runaway wheel to catch!"
Now prepared to attempt a rescue, Moon Fang turned his attention to the carnival attraction gone rogue. With heels dug deep into the soil the Paragon took off like a high velocity rocket, while his attention was aimed at the front of the wheel.
"What's he doing?" Ryan Choi muttered to himself as he watched the event unfold.
As his speed propelled him far ahead of the structure, Moon Fang surprised everyone by throwing his entire body in front of the wheel. Bracing himself the paragon used his superior strength to stop the momentum of the carnival bringing it to a screeching halt.
"Alright!" Ryan Choi cheered. He wasn't the only one however, the bystanders and people in the ferris wheel also started to erupt into thunderous cheer as a thank you to the hero who saved their lives.
-New Metropolis Detention Center-
"I've been waiting for this all day!" There was nothing more enjoyable to Hostreak then watching his victims die by his fiery hand. Recently confronted by Rubber, Hostreak had been ordered to dispose of the captive Ryan. The malice filled instructions did nothing but fill his heart with utter enjoyment. After being hurt by the woman several times today Hotstreak had a heated desire to set the girl ablaze.
Much like campers roasting marshmallows, Hotstreak wanted to watch the woman wither in agony from the flames. He wanted her suffering to be long and slow, he wanted to see her plead for her pitiful existence before life left her eyes. All these things he would get to do soon, as he and Rubber walked down the corridors to the infirmary.
"It's a shame we gotta keep Hawkins alive, I wouldn't mind seeing him burn too!" Rubber responded.
"You know how your brother is, he wants to finish him off himself!" Hotstreak shot back. "After that we can do away with his trans friend and find a way outta this place!"
"I still don't see why we just didn't kill the runt when we had the chance!"
Hotstreak couldn't help but shrug. "If they wanna get their rocks off that way let um!"
"I find it weird but whatever!"
The conversation between the two men would soon cease as they reached the doors to the infirmary. Hotstreak couldn't contain himself as he took the lead, throttling the doors open and lighting both of his hands with his element.
"It's time for a barbecue Ryan! He announced boisterously. As he and Rubber stepped into the room however, both gang members went completely silent while their blood ran cold.
Looking inside the room they soon realized that their prisoners had indeed escaped.
"They're gone!" Rubber cried. "How the hell did they get free?"
"I dunno man but Ebon's gonna be pissed at us for sure!"
"We got to find them!"
"Shit, where could they have gone?"
Now panicked by the recent turn of events, Hotstreak & Rubber soon departed the infirmary in search for there escaped targets.
Being common gang members, Ebon, Hotstreak & Rubber lacked common sense when it came to some areas. In their rush to panic both men had failed to sweep the room for any signs of life. Had they chosen to stay calm they might have noticed the rooms air ducts up in the ceiling, where their targets lay calm and safe from harm.
"Told you they'd fall for it!" Virgil chirped before relaxing his body up against the cold steel of the air ducts walls. Due to finding the first aid kit earlier, Ryan not only managed to ease her flaming skin but she was also able to patch him up from his open shoulder wounds.
"I guess I shouldn't expect much from scum like them!" She laughed. "They always screw up sooner or later."
"Tell me about it, me and Nia once outsmarted them by filling the entire hideout with-." Although Ryan was listening intently, Virgil stopped himself when he realized that he was smiling. In their moment of healing and hiding, he managed to let his guard down for a few seconds.
Ryan couldn't help but sigh sadly as he all of a sudden was trying to put his guard back up. "Seriously, I thought we were getting somewhere."
Virgil couldn't help but snort at her attempts. "Highfather must be really needed for metas huh?"
"Watch it, we're not needy, I just don't want you to think we're against you when we're not!"
As much as Virgil wanted to rebuttal against her words, he couldn't help but think about what she has done for him since she got here. Offering him a chance to leave, saving Nia from Hotstreak, patching up his shoulder wound, and sticking by him where others have left him. Either she was the world's craftiest grifter or perhaps there were more to her than meets the eye. Whatever the case Virgil was ready to take a chance on the situation. If he wanted to save Nia and have any chance of surviving he had to put his faith in her.
"These ducts run through the entire building ya know, if we keep going we'll get to the mess hall where Nia is!"
Ryan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in skepticism. "This means you trust me now?"
"Call it a trial basis, you help me get Nia back and maybe I wont think you're such a bad guy!"
"Fair enough, let's see where these vents go shall we!"
With that Ryan & Virgil were in total synchronization. Although Virgil still had his reservations about Ryan, he knew that trusting her was the only way to save Nia and get out of Ebon's clutches. Although the images of Brainiac's forcefield outside still weighed heavy in Ryan's mind, she still did not let it deterre her. As they journeyed through the small confined air ducts, Ryan could only pray to the heavens above that Garfield was out there and would hopefully rescue her soon.
-Carnival Grounds-
"Thirty six, thirty seven and finally thirty eight." The officer monitoring the situation announced as he counted the final person to leave the ferris wheel. While Moon Fang kept the ride from moving away with his super strength, Ryan Choi alerted the authorities who responded with fire trucks and ladders to remove each of the people from the cable cars. It started off as a slow process but in no time, all the cars were empty and its thankful citizens were back on the ground safely.
"Alright Moon Fang you heard him, you can stop!"
"Took um long enough!" The paragon responded tiredly before flipping the entire ferris wheel on it's size and effectively ending the crisis.
As the police officers started to hurdle the people back over behind the barricade, Ryan Choi ran to Moon Fang's side and took in the glorious sight of his advanced armor.
"This is beyond phenomenal!" He cooed. "I've never seen anything like this, you were awesome Garfield!"
"Hey I helped too!" Lunar called out from inside the armor.
"Thank you two Lunar!"
"That reminds me, defusion command now!" Remembering the tactic that Lunar had taught him, Moon Fang called for the mysterious defusion command. In mere nanoseconds the paragon armor became shrouded in energy before separating Garfield and Lunar back to their normal selves.
Back to his cub form, Lunar's first act was to pounce upon Garfield making him fall backwards to the ground. With his partner now pinned Lunar happily started licking Garfield's face while happily hopping on his chest with that wagged tail. "You saved me, you're the best Garfield!"
"Down boy down!" Garfield chuckled, it wasn't long before the titan returned the favor and brought the cub in for a hug. "It wasn't just me Lunar, he helped too!"
"Awww it was nothing, just a little brute phishing is all!"
Lunar was not one to leave out credit where it was due and before long hopped off Garfield so he could face him. "My name's Lunar, what's yours?"
"Uhhh Hi I'm Ryan Choi!"
"Any friend of Garfields is a friend of mine!" He chirped with a warm smile.
"I appreciate that Lunar!"
"Everyone get to safety!"
Garfield, Ryan and Lunar's happy moment was soon cut off from the police officers announcement. The trio wasn't sure what was going on but got their answer as the sky started to darken. Much to their shock, Brainiac's Skullship started cruising over the park grounds and further to a different side of New Metropolis.
As frightened citizens started to run for their lives, the Skullship continued its cycle of blasting bottled cities, shrinking them down to be a part of Brainiac collection.
"A floating head?" Lunar questioned curiously.
While Lunar was in the dark about what was going on, Garfield and Ryan Choi were in full connection. Seeing the Skullship instantly reminded them of what they had to do. If they were going to save the city and rescue Ryan they were going to have to board that ship and take it down.
It seemed like an impossible task but it had too be done, Brainiac had to be stopped.
-Elsewhere-
The coolness of the afternoon wind did nothing to ease Raven's tension as it ripped through every inch of her pale uncovered skin. Even with the sun exposed overhead the neon sign of the Ace O' Clubs seemed to provide more light for those that passed in the darkened alleyway. All alone and standing just a few inches away from the front door, Raven did her best to gather her courage instead of retreating to the shadows of whence she came.
While temporarily freeing herself from Black Siren's grip was an accomplishment in itself, Raven's job was far from over. Like all good things in the world nothing comes easily or for free. Before she could finally settle down with Garfield once more, Raven had to keep up her end of the bargain with the hooded man. While his motives were still a mystery to her, it seemed he could be trusted due to helping her deal with Darkseid's brainwashing. Going back to a private conversation they had early, he promised to help fully cure Raven of Black Siren's presence.
In exchange however, Raven would be sent into the lion's den.
In search of one item that could possibly give them an advantage against Darkseid.
Swallowing all her doubts and fears best she could, Raven sauntered beyond the doors and into the establishment.
"You cheated, I demand a redo!" Paragon Scorch shouted.
"There are no redos in this game, you landed on Park Place now pay up!" Paragon Hydro shot back.
"Dear lord, you're both idiots!" Paragon Saber sweatdropped.
Raven breathed a sigh of relief as she observed the sight of Scorch, Hydro & Saber huddled around a table, engaged in an intense game of Monopoly. While the trio seemingly ignored her entrance, Raven took the opportunity to investigate around the bar.
"Siren!" Sparrow's voice was loud and boisterous as he walked throughout the backrooms and out towards the front of the bar.
Fighting back a heroic urge to go on the offensive, Raven found herself rolling her eyes and placing her hands on her hips. With a relaxation of her body language, Raven immediately prepared herself to emulate Black Siren's bossy and nasty like personality. "What the hell are you shouting about, I'm right here!"
"What happened to you earlier?" He questioned angrily. "You screamed at me then flake out on me for several hours, I thought we were going to stop Taurus?"
"Nothing happened!"
"You sure?" Sparrow asked with an arched brow. "You were acting pretty strange, talking to yourself and everything!"
"What is this twenty questions, I said I'm fine!" Raven spat
"Fine fine whatever, geesh your such a bitch!"
Fully convinced by the act she was putting on, Sparrow found himself moving away from her and back toward the sofa where he continued to watch the New Metropolis breaking news.
The moment that she was alone Raven dropped the persona, allowing herself to be slightly at ease once more. With all eyes off of her, the titan slowly took steps across the floorboards until she was behind the bar. With little searching needed, a smile crept across Raven's face as she noticed a single boom tube controller was hidden behind a few bottles of alcohol.
"Gotcha!" Raven uttered to herself before placing the tech piece in her jacket pocket.
"Hey Siren!"
"What?" Her voice cracked as she tried to go back to her impersonation.
"Bring me a drink will ya!"
"Do I have waitress tattooed on my ass?"
"Come on, don't be that way!" Sparrow cried. "It's the least you could do for me after this morning!"
"Fine, what do you want?" She inquired as she started to grab a random amount of bottles around her.
"Give me what you had this morning, and don't skip on the ice!"
"Whatever Robin!"
The color drained out of Raven's face as she soon realized what she had just mistakenly said out of her mouth. Any chances of them having not heard her would be halted as they suddenly ceased the activities they were engaged in. Before she could even explain herself Sparrow, Hydro, Scorch & Saber stood up and turned to face her with confused looks.
"What did you just call me?"
"I said Sparrow, what are you hard of hearing?" Raven bellowed while still trying to keep up the act.
"That's not what you just said!" Saber scolded. "You called him Robin!"
"Are you all stupid or something, I didn't say that!"
While Scorch, Hydro & Saber exchanged uneasy looks, Sparrow stepped forward to further confront the suspect. "What kind of drink did Vipress make you this morning?"
This was a question that Raven surely did not know the answer too. Although she had sneak peeks into Black Siren's memories, some information about how she lived was unknown to her.
The long pause for an answer did nothing more then to blow Raven's cover toward the group. Within seconds the Paragon men swarmed around her blocking all means or hopes of her fleeing.
"Looks like we have an imposter in our bar boys!" Saber stated.
"I knew something was off about her!" Scorch added.
"What did you do with Siren?" Sparrow angrily questioned.
"I just gave her the asskicking she had coming!" Raven snarkily responded with an ever so satisfied grin plastered on her face.
"There's no way in hell you're getting outta this one Raven!" Hydro sneered
"Take her!"
This was exactly the scenario that Raven had feared the most upon entering the bar. Now that she had been exposed there was no way out. Even now the Paragons were looking down at their bracelets readying themselves to transform into their individual armors. Even with the skills that the hooded man bestowed upon her, she couldn't possibly battle all four of them at once. This left Raven with one option and one option only, a small trick that Black Siren was constantly using ever since she learned it.
The stale bar air infiltrated Raven's nostrils as she took a deep breath. Preparing herself accordingly, her jaw opened as far as it would go as the canary cry started to emerge from her mouth.
The Paragons didn't even get the chance to transform or counteract in any way as Raven unleashed that symphony of high pitched scream.
Without warning all four males clutched their ears in displeasure and collapsed to the floor as the soundwaves penetrated throughout the room. Glass drinking bottles shattered, the television exploded and every structure around the room began into nothingness.
"We g-g-gotta s-s-stop h-er!" Paragon Saber interjected painfully as he tried to stand from the attack. His display of bravado did nothing to phase Raven however and in turn she intensified the scream causing him to go flying across the room and into the pool table.
The Paragons may have been powerful with their armors on, but without them they were just as vulnerable to any attack. Luckily for Raven she wouldn't have to keep the attack on for long.
With most of her foes now withering on the ground before her, the sorceress took it upon herself to bolt toward the exit and back onto the streets of New Metropolis.
"Damn you Raven!" Sparrow growled in displeasure as he watched an opportunity to impress his master slip through his fingers yet again.
"Excellent Job Raven." The hooded man muttered. Having stationed himself on a rooftop overlooking the Ace O' Clubs, the stranger kept a close eye on the situation in case Raven needed any assistance. Luckily for him she not only escaped alive but managed to get what he had been after this whole time.
Everything was falling in line exactly how he planned it.
With Garfield and Raven united, the tide was turning in their favor.
They may still have a chance to win against Darkseid.
End of Chapter 17:
It feels extremely good to be back!
I was getting Fanfiction withdrawals from lack of update. From this moment on I vow to always keep backups of my writing, and backups of those writings.
With Lunar now back with Garfield, it's up to the trio to confront the Paragons and Brainiac inside the SkullShip. When Chapter 18 hits you guys are gonna love it, it's actually one of my favorite chapters. Speaking of that chapter Bia and I have some artwork instore for your guys that compliment it finely *Chefs Kiss*
But moving on!
Did you guys enjoy the chapter?
Any questions?
Requests?
General comments?
If you have any please let me know at the bottom. Leave me follow/bookmark while your at it, anything helps. I'm putting a request out that again if you guys could leave me more reviews I would happily enjoy that.
So Chapter 18 will be in 3 weeks and to give you guys a sneak peek, the working title I have for it is 'Fight to the Finish Part 1'. I'm not sure If i'm going to keep that title but If i find something better you guys will know.
Anyway, until next time!
Remember to review, review and review!
Arigato!
Z